Storm drawing closer

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

Heavy rains, strong winds and possible hailstorms are in the forecast beginning late tonight as a strong cold front passes through the Islands.

A band of thunderstorms is expected to form ahead of the front, which will move across Kaua'i tomorrow morning and across O'ahu in the afternoon, then make its way to Maui and the Big Island by late tomorrow.

The National Weather Service said the storms may be severe, with damaging winds and flooding.

Strong southerly winds of 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph will accompany the storms, lead forecaster Hans Rosendal said last night. Windward locations, such as Lihu'e, Kane'ohe and Kailua, could experience stronger gusts as the wind accelerates over and down the mountains, he said.

Hail could accompany the thunderstorms, Rosendal said. "Most of the time, hail will melt on the way down, but on some of the higher locations, say in Kula on Maui or in Wahiawa on O'ahu, hail might survive to the surface," he said.

Saturday may start off with sunshine, but the weather service says don't be fooled. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to develop in the afternoon and again on Sunday, particularly over the eastern half of the state.

The O'ahu Civil Defense urged residents yesterday to prepare for the strong winds and heavy rains. The agency offered the following tips:

• Do not drive across flooded roads or bridges.
• If your vehicle stalls in water, abandon it and get to higher ground. A foot or two of rapidly moving water can sweep away a car.
• If a flash-flood warning is issued, get to higher ground immediately.
• Do not walk or play near floodwaters.

For information, see the Web site for the National Weather Service at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl or call 973-4381.

Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.